Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 59, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 October 1917 — THE MONROE DOCTRINE [ARTICLE]

THE MONROE DOCTRINE

Every now and then we are met by the criticism that in entering the European war we are running counter to the Monroe Doctrine. These same critics would have us believe that this country lias entered the conflict for the purpose of punishing one set of belligerents and avenging another set. The country should get right on this matter and forever silence the tongues of those who by these arguments would clog the wheels of progress at this time. Taking the latter count first, this country has no intention of punishing any nation, nor of avenging any. It has, however, a firm determination that the atrocities visited upon Belgium and other invaded countries shall have no chance of a duplication here. German apologists seem to forgfct that this country had ample cause for war before war was declared —- cause consisting- of Germany’s aggressions on this country and on its citizens. Many innocent American lives had been sacrificed to her unlawful and outrageous methods, and many indignities suffered. before this country decided to put a stop to them by force of arms. The wiley plea that we are go-

ing to avenge ■ the wrongs of other peoples will not avail. Could that be established it would really place us in an unenviable light. It would place us in the attitude of overriding, a principle of action that for more than a century has been a veritable beacon star by which we have steered our national course —-this same Monroe Doctrine. We listen with horror to a recital of German atrocities in Belgium, and a thought that such might come to our land and our people will no doubt nerve the arms of our fighting men. But these are in no sense the" Impelling motive of our action. That aetion was prompted by a condition that had grown intolerable—a condition of affairs entirely between this country and that, and having no relation to the affairs of any other country or people. And as the days pass and new chapters are added to the. record of German intrique, w# can but marvel that those in authority In] our government held their hands as long as they did. ) President Wilson has stated the. matter clearly-—the EARTH must be made safe for democracy. it most .certainly is not so now.